Authorizing the Committee of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs to hold hearings to obtain an update on the status of the City Council's security camera program for Philadelphia's playgrounds and recreation centers.

WHEREAS, In 2013, the City Council pledged to spend $3.6 million over the next three years on security cameras for Philadelphia’s playgrounds and recreation centers. The program was designed as a response to violence at recreation centers. The Department of Parks and Recreation was in charge of managing the cameras; and

WHEREAS, Under Council's initiative, four to eight cameras were to be installed and begin recording at 162 recreation centers and playgrounds based on the size of the facility. In 2012, only four of the City's public recreation centers had security cameras. All of the district councilmembers agreed to earmark one-tenth of their district capital dollars for the effort in each of the next three years; and

WHEREAS, In the case of an incident, surveillance footage was to be made available to the Philadelphia Police Department; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that all of playgrounds and recreation centers have security cameras to ensure the safety of our youth, families, and Parks and Recreation staff; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Council does hereby authorize the Committee of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs to hold hearings to obtain an update on the status of the City Council’s security camera program for Philadelphia’s playgrounds and recreation centers.

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